The 25 most popular three-letter names that aren’t just nicknames

Naming trends come and go, and with so many options everywhere you turn, it can be tough to hone in on the right one for your baby. If you’re drawn to shorter names with both spunk and elegance, check out these popular picks.

Choosing a name for your baby is a big decision, and it can be hard to know which direction to go in. Are you drawn to traditional names or more modern ones? Would you prefer a longer name with a spunky nickname – or a short name from the jump?

“We like very short names, nicknames almost,” says BabyCenter Community member Reedstein. “My husband is super anti-long name, and I don’t mind it.”

If you love a short, spunky name, we’ve rounded up the most popular three-letter names that stand on their own – they aren’t just nicknames for a longer name.

(P.S. If you need more baby name inspiration, check out the baby names tool on our appOpens a new window.)

Ava

Ava is technically a nickname-name – but it’s been a standalone name for so long that we gave it a pass here. Ranking No. 7 among BabyCenter parents in 2024, Ava is the most popular three-letter name for girls.

“If I have a little girl, I’m naming her Ava,” says BabyCenter Community member Kasironi. “I have a long, hard-to-spell name, and our last name is also long and usually needs to be spelled out, so I figure I’m giving her a leg up.”

Ava is thought to originally be a diminutive of several medieval Germanic names rooted in the word av, which may mean “desire.” But Ava has origins in other languages, too – it’s sometimes considered a variant of Eve, and it means “voice” in Persian.

Leo

Leo is short, strong, and timeless. It ranked No. 10 among BabyCenter parents in 2024, making it one of the most popular three-letter boy names around.

Leo comes from the Greek word for “lion” – no surprise, given its bold, regal energy. While it started out as a nickname for names like Leonardo or Leopold, Leo has long stood proudly on its own. It also has astrological cred, tied to the confident fire sign ruled by the sun.

Ivy

Ivy is crisp, nature-inspired, and quietly elegant. It ranked No. 24 for girls on BabyCenter in 2024, making it one of the most beloved botanical names today.

Ivy comes from the evergreen climbing plant, which has long symbolized fidelity and friendship – fitting for a name that feels both grounded and graceful.

While it was once more common in vintage circles, Ivy has fully bloomed into modern baby name territory. It’s short and sweet, but still rich with meaning, and just unique enough to feel special without being unfamiliar.

Kai

Cool, compact, and effortless, Kai is a standout among short boy names. Ranking No. 26 for boys on BabyCenter in 2024, Kai is a small name with a big presence that feels both modern and timeless.

Kai has roots in many different cultures. In Hawaiian, the name means “sea,” giving it a breezy, oceanic vibe. It’s also a nickname for many German and Scandinavian names starting with “K” or “G,” like Gerhard and Klaus.

With its easy sound and multicultural meanings, Kai is a solid choice for parents seeking a short and simple name with a touch of flair.

Zoe

Zoe has ancient roots but feels totally modern. Ranking No. 57 for girls among BabyCenter parents in 2024, it’s a well-loved three-letter name.

Zoe comes from a Greek word that means “life” – a fitting name choice for something so full of energy and light. It first gained traction in the early Christian era as a symbol of eternal life, but its fresh, zippy sound gives it broad, timeless appeal.

With a name like Zoe, you get history, style, spirit, and spunk.

Eva

Sweet, sleek, and quietly classic, Eva is a strong, timeless favorite for girls. It’s a Latin form of the Hebrew name Eve, meaning “life” – a beautiful nod to beginnings and vitality.

While it shares roots with Ava, Eva feels a touch more traditional, with a soft elegance that never goes out of style. And ranking No. 105 on BabyCenter, Eva is a bit less popular than Ava, too. Whatever your style, Eva is simple, sophisticated, and rich with meaning in just three little letters.

Ali

Ali is short, strong, and full of heritage. It ranked No. 114 for boys on BabyCenter in 2024, making it a steady favorite with global appeal.

In Arabic, Ali means “sublime” and it’s famously tied to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Muslim prophet Muhammad.

Though often used as a nickname for names like Alistair or Alison, Ali stands confidently on its own – a small name with deep meaning and timeless strength.

Ian

Ian is a Scottish form of John, which is rooted in a Hebrew name that means “God is gracious.” With its crisp sound and understated charm, Ian feels both modern and traditional.

Ian is clean, classic, and effortlessly cool. It ranked No. 115 for boys on BabyCenter in 2024, making it a solid favorite that never feels overdone. It’s short and simple, yet full of quiet strength – the kind of name that wears well at every age.

Nur

Nur is an Arabic name that means “light.” In Islamic tradition, it’s one of the 99 names of Allah, making it a deeply meaningful girl name for those who want to honor their Islamic heritage.

This luminous and serene name ranked No. 198 among BabyCenter parents in 2024, making it a bit more unique than some of the other more popular three-letter names. Symbolizing clarity, guidance, and spiritual radiance, Nur carries a powerful sense of peace and purpose – a simple name that shines with timeless beauty.

Ace

Originally used as a nickname, meaning “the best,” Ace has stepped into the spotlight in recent years as a standalone boy name. It ranked No. 146 among BabyCenter parents in 2024, making it a fast-rising favorite for modern parents.

The word “ace” originally referred to the one on a die, and is rooted in the Latin word as, meaning “a unit” or “one.” It came to refer to the playing card in the 1500s – and since the ace is usually the highest-scoring card in a game, that’s where “ace” got the meaning “the best.”

Bold, brisk, and packed with confidence, Ace is the kind of name that can grow with a person – a punchy pick that feels just as cool on a kid as it does an adult.

Ada

Ada is a short and sweet vintage name with roots in several languages. It comes from the Germanic element adal, meaning “noble,” and has Hebrew ties as a variant of Adah, which means “ornament” and one of the first women named in the Bible.

Ada was especially popular for girls in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It declined in the midcentury but has seen a stylish comeback in recent years, ranking No. 200 among BabyCenter parents in 2024.

With its soft sound and dignified meaning, Ada feels timeless and elegant across generations.

Ana

Ana comes from a Hebrew name that means “he has favored me” or “grace.” Common across Spanish, Portuguese, Slavic, and other cultures, Ana is both simple and elegant.

Ranking No. 228 among BabyCenter parents in 2024, this feminine name is less popular than the more traditional English spelling, Anna, but has remained consistently popular around the world thanks to its versatility and soft, melodic sound.

Whether used alone or as part of a double name like Ana Sofia or Ana Maria, it carries a sense of quiet strength and classic beauty.

Koa

Koa is a bold, nature-inspired name with Hawaiian roots, meaning “brave,” “fearless,” and “warrior.” Traditionally used as a boy name, Koa also refers to a native Hawaiian tree known for its strong, beautiful wood often used in surfboards and canoes.

Short, punchy, and strong, Koa has gained popularity in recent years for its modern sound and powerful meaning. Ranking No. 229 on BabyCenter in 2024, Koa is a great choice for parents who love nature names with a touch of adventure and cultural depth.

Joy

Joy is a bright, uplifting name that radiates positivity. Derived from the Latin gaudia, meaning “rejoicing” or “gladness,” Joy has been used as a given name since the 17th century.

“I really like Joy! Simple and sweet, and I like that it’s unexpected,” says BabyCenter Community member sammaegre, pointing out its “short, simple, classic feel.”

Joy peaked in popularity as a girl name in the U.S. during the 1970s, and although the name is less popular now, it remains a beloved choice for its simplicity and cheerful meaning.

Ranking No. 330 among BabyCenter parents in 2024, Joy is a delightful one-syllable name that conveys emotional warmth and a sense of light.

Nia

Short and sweet, Nia is a name with roots in multiple cultures. In Swahili, it means “purpose” and is one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. It’s also the Welsh version of Niamh, an Irish name that means “brightness” or “beauty.”

Popular around the globe, Nia ranked No. 418 for girls on BabyCenter in 2024. It’s a compact name that feels modern and timeless, making it a powerful, elegant choice with depth and international flair.

Ari

Ari is a short, punchy name with a wide-reaching global presence. In Hebrew, Ari means “lion,” symbolizing strength and courage. In Scandinavian languages, it’s linked to an Old Norse word that means “eagle.”

Ari is also often used as a nickname for longer names, like Ariel, Arianna, or Aria. With its sleek sound and powerful meanings, Ari has become a popular choice for both boys and girls, ranking No. 319 for girls and No. 473 for boys on BabyCenter in 2024. It’s easy to say, easy to love, and full of spunk.

Aya

Aya is a delicate, graceful name with ties to several cultures. In Japanese, it can mean “color,” “design,” or “beautiful,” depending on the kanji or characters used to spell it.

In Arabic, Aya means “sign” or “verse,” often referring to a verse in the Quran. Aya also means “dawn” in Akkadian, and was the name of a Mestopotamian goddess of dawn associated with beauty.

Aya ranked No. 479 for girls on BabyCenter in 2024. Despite its soft sound, Aya carries strong, uplifting meanings across cultures. With just three letters, it feels light and lyrical, yet rich in history and symbolism.

Asa

A gentle yet grounded name, Asa means “healer” in Hebrew and appears in the Old Testament as a wise king of Judah.

It ranked No. 515 for boys on BabyCenter in 2024, making it far less recognizable than Ava or Leo, but still simple and fresh with a modern appeal.

“I quite like Asa for a boy,” says BabyCenter Community member Jannater. “It feels familiar, yet unexpected.”

Distinctive, peaceful, and quietly powerful, Asa is a name that balances serenity and strength.

Dax

Dax is a bold, edgy name with roots in French geography, as it’s also the name of a town in southwestern France. The name also has ties to the Old English name Daecca, whose meaning is unknown.

Dax rose in popularity in the 2010s along with similar boy names, like Max and Jax. While not as popular as other “-ax” names, Dax still gets plenty of play, thanks in part to actor Dax Shepard, and ranked No. 519 on BabyCenter in 2024.

Strong, stylish, and easy to pronounce, Dax feels confident and contemporary, perfect for parents looking for a distinctive name with a touch of star power.

Rio

Rio is a breezy, spirited name with an effortlessly cool vibe. In Spanish and Portuguese, rio means “river,” conjuring images of flow, nature, and vitality. It’s also famously tied to Rio de Janeiro, the vibrant Brazilian city known for its music, beaches, and joyful energy.

As a name, Rio feels both laid-back and adventurous, perfect for free spirits and nature lovers. While Rio is a gender-neutral name, BabyCenter parents like it better for boys – it ranked No. 526 for boys and No. 2,579 for girls in 2024. Short, yet full of rhythm, Rio is a memorable, refreshing choice with global flair.

Eve

Eve is a timeless, elegant name with deep biblical roots. Derived from the Hebrew name Havva, it means “living” or “animal.” Eve is the first woman in the Bible, making the name rich with historical and spiritual significance.

It’s been a steady, if understated, presence on girl name charts through the years and ranked No. 596 among BabyCenter parents in 2024.

Though simple in sound, Eve carries a sense of strength and femininity. It’s both modern and ancient, making it a beautiful choice for those drawn to meaning and simplicity.

Lee

Lee has a strong, straightforward sound that gives it a timeless appeal. Stylish and cool, Lee first gained popularity as a boy name in the 1940s and has remained a solid choice in the decades since, coming in at No. 656 on BabyCenter in 2024.

Lee is rooted in the Old English word leah, which means “wood clearing,” and evokes images of peace and nature. Popular for its simplicity and adaptability, Lee is a sleek, one-syllable name that feels both classic and contemporary.

Sky

This breezy, modern name carries a sense of openness and freedom that appeals to nature lovers and dreamers alike. Inspired by the expanse of space above our heads, the name Sky feels light, uplifting, and full of possibilities.

Sky began gaining traction in the late 20th century as a first name, appreciated for its simplicity and poetic quality. BabyCenter parents agree, ranking it No. 617 for girls in 2024. Whether used alone or as part of a double name, Sky feels fresh, celestial, and full of wonder.

Tru

A variant of True, and sometimes used as a nickname for Gertrude or Truman, Tru is a name that feels both modern and meaningful. Symbolizing honesty, authenticity, and loyalty, Tru appeals to parents who value simplicity, strength, and powerful meanings.

Gender-neutral and sleek, Tru has a contemporary vibe that feels simple, yet fashionable. Although not extremely common, it’s gaining quiet popularity among BabyCenter parents, ranking No. 621 for boys and No. 954 for girls in 2024.

Tru is a great fit for parents seeking a name that feels fresh, sincere, and full of purpose.

Isa

Soft and graceful, Isa is an elegant name with ties to many cultures. Isa is the Arabic form of Jesus, which is rooted in a Hebrew name that means “God is salvation.”

In German and Spanish-speaking cultures, Isa is often a short form of Isabella or Isadora, giving it a romantic, timeless feel.

Light and airy, Isa is beautifully versatile, fitting across languages and traditions, and can feel vintage or modern depending on the setting. In the U.S., it’s more popular for boys, ranking No. 655 among BabyCenter parents in 2024. Isa is a name that evokes feelings of kindness, strength, and a quiet confidence.

Methodology

Our baby name data is volunteered by parents who enter their babies’ names in real time, giving us a live look at what’s trending. This data comprises the names of more than 500,000 babies born in 2024. To learn more about the top baby names, see our Most Popular Baby Names report.

BabyCenter is a part of Everyday Health Group Pregnancy & Parenting (EHG P&P). EHG P&P reaches 91% of first-time pregnancies and 85% of pregnancies in the United States.

BabyCenter’s editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you’re seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

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Erin Heger is a freelance journalist who writes about health, parenting, and social issues. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, HuffPost, Business Insider, and Rewire News Group. Born and raised in Kansas, she lives just outside Kansas City with her husband and three kids.